Preparing for Foot and Ankle Surgery: Checklist

General Pre-Surgical Preparations:

O What is the surgical procedure you are having: ___________________________
O Do you have any questions about the surgery for your surgeon:
If so what? _______________________________________________
O What will be your weight-bearing (WB) status after surgery?
Full? Partial WB? Touch WB? Non-WB
O How long will it be before you can put full weight on your foot?
_______weeks? ______months?
O What will be on your foot after surgery?
Cast___ Walker Boot ___ Post-op Shoe ____ Dressings only ____

Preparing Your Home

O Are there any objects blocking or limiting access to rooms? _________
O Is your bed on the ground floor level? If not could it be moved?
O Is your bathroom safe? Does it have a shower stool? ____ Grab bars?_____
O Have you stocked up on supplies? Food?_____ Bathroom supplies?____
O Do you have enough entertainment options?
Books?____ Videos?____ Games?_____

Command Post (Bed or Couch)

O Computer access?_____ TV?____ Telephone?____ DVD Player?____ Clock?______
O Working Table (can slide in and out, adjustable height)? _____
O Back Support? _____
O Pillows to elevate foot? _____
O Pen? _____ Paper?____
O Handiwork/Crafts? ______
O Easy access to food/snacks? _____

Involve Family and Friends (help preparing meals, keeping you company, etc)
O List friends who you have asked to help out? ____________________________
O Are there specific days you have asked for help? _________________________
Preparing for Foot and Ankle Surgery: Checklist
Return to Activities
O When do you expect to be able to return to regular day-to-day activities?_____
O When does your doctor expect you to be able to return to regular day-to-day
activities?____
O When do you expect to be able to return to work?_______
O When does your doctor expect you to return to work? _______
O Have you talked with your employer about your expected recovery time? ___
O Does your employer have light duty work (ex. sitting) that would allow you
to return more quickly?_____
O Are there high level activities that you do? ____
If so how long will you be off from these activities? ____

Mobilizing Post-Surgery
O What will you use to help mobilize after your foot surgery?
O Walker? ___ Crutches?___ Cane?____ Knee Walker?______
O Have you practice prior to surgery?_____ Going up stairs?_______

Driving following Foot Surgery (it is critical not to drive until you are safe!)
O Is the foot that operates the gas pedal and brakes being operated on?______
O Do you drive a car with a clutch?_______
O Have you talked to your surgeon about when you may return to driving?
O Do you have someone to drive you around in the weeks after surgery?

The Day of Surgery

O Do you know where to go to check-in? _____________________________________
O Has the check-in process been explained to you?
O Do you have any questions you need to ask the surgeon prior to surgery?
O Is your surgery day surgery or will you be admitted? _____________________
O If you are being admitted how man days will you be in hospital?_________
O What are the surgeon’s goals for you on the first day after surgery?

Going Home
O What day are you likely to be discharged from hospital? ______
O Who is going to pick you up from surgery?_____________________
O Do you have vehicle that you can get into easily?
O Will be able to keep your foot elevated (ex. in the back seat)?____
O How long is the drive home?____ (for long drives break may be necessary)
O Will you have a problem (stairs, etc.) getting into your house? _______
If so is there someone who can help you?_______

Pain Control Options

O Are you clear on all of your options to manage your pain following surgery?
Medications____ Elevating leg ____ Ice____ Other_____